Guide

Public notification and referrals

In this guide


Some lodged development applications require public notification as part of their assessment process.

See current notified developments

When public notification is required

Public notification allows neighbours and other interested parties to be notified about a development that affects them, so that they have the opportunity to comment.

By formally supporting or opposing a development, South Australians can influence the decision-making on an application.

Notification types

Notification types for category of development
Assessment category Notification type

Code Assessed – Performance Assessed

  • Adjacent land (within 60 metres)
  • Notice placed on the land

The Code can specify certain developments that do not require notification.

Impact Assessed - Code Restricted

  • Adjacent land (within 60 metres)
  • Any others affected
  • On the PlanSA portal
  • Notice placed on the land

Impact Assessed – Minister or Regulations

  • Public notice
  • On the PlanSA portal
  • Any other consultation steps required by the Minister having regard to the Community Engagement Charter (exhibition of new EIS only).

When referrals are required

If you wish to undertake development that requires approval under the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016, for large and complex developments, they may be referred to state, local or federal government agencies, such as the Environment Protection Authority, the Adelaide Airports Authority or SA Water to review certain elements of the proposed development.

Referrals are required when the proposed development may:

  • impact on or be affected by services or matters that other authorities have control over or an interest in
  • have a broader impact on the health and safety of the community and the environment.

Referrals are set out in the Regulations and may require the applicant to pay additional fees for the authority to send the application on for a referral. Referrals inform and in some cases, direct the assessment and outcome of the development application.

The organisation that the application is referred to will depend on the type of issue and it is possible for an application to be sent to more than one different organisation for referral.

Preliminary agreements

The Act allows applicants to meet with referral agencies to gain formal agreements before lodging their application for Planning/Land Division Consent. Having a preliminary agreement means that the assessment of the application can proceed more quickly and efficiently.

To obtain relevant forms and contact information for referral agencies, please refer to the referrals and preliminary agreements page.